Authorities are asking the public for help in locating a man who escaped police custody on Thursday.

The man is Majd Albali, 23, a Syrian national.

Earlier in the day he had appeared before Paphos district court as a suspect in a case involving the theft of a money pouch.

He is accused of having snatched the pouch at knife point. The suspect claims he took the item as it contained money he was owed.

The court adjourned the hearing to January 18 but ordered that the man remain in police custody until then.

Outside the court building, and while under the supervision of police officers, Albali – still handcuffed – ran away.

Police are asking anyone with information on his whereabouts to call Paphos CID at 26-806021, the citizens hotline at 1460, or contact their nearest police station.